Archives May 2023

The popular EB-5 and E-2 visas have excellent characteristics for foreign investors who wish to invest in the US. As of Q1 2021, 15,908 EB-5 visa petitions were pending, and 2,977 EB-5 visas were issued in FY 2020, indicating high expectations for these visas. In comparison, there were 44,887 E-2 visas reissued during the same period. This denotes the popularity of this visa among US investors.

To be qualified for the EB-5 visa, you are obliged to invest a minimum of $800,000 in a plan located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $0.8 million in any non-TEA plan. On the other hand, the E-2 visa does not have a fixed investment requirement but mandates a major investment in US trade. By grasping these variations between the EB-5 and E-2 visas, investors can make an informed choice regarding whether that choice optimally aligns with their investment aims in the United States.

EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa program was formed in 1990 by the US Congress to promote job creation and economic advancement by drawing foreign investors. It provides enduring residency to human beings who invest at least $1 million in a qualifying plan that builds at least ten permanent jobs for U.S. workers. The program has become increasingly well-liked over the years, with a major boost in the number of EB-5 petitions filed from 2008 to 2019.

In 2019, a total of 14,373 EB-5 petitions were filed, which represented a major boost of 73% from the number of petitions filed in 2018. This grand surge in requests could be attributed to diverse factors, including the increasing knowledge of the EB-5 program amongst foreign investors, the augmenting concern of getting other types of visas, and the enchanting benefits of the EB-5 visa.

Among the advantages of the EB-5 program is that it lets investors and their families access enduring residency in the United States, which can finally result in citizenship in the US. Additionally, investors are not required to have prior commerce encounters or education, and there are no age restrictions.

The EB-5 program provides a benefit to investors by letting them provide for the advancement of the US economy by building jobs for American workers. Therefore, through this program, over $41 billion in capital investment in the US has been confirmed, and 700,000 jobs have been built in the US. Nonetheless, the program also has its shortcomings.

( The amount of EB-5 immigrant visas that the US Department of State granted between FY 2010 and FY 2021 )

Source – Statista.com

Its major criticism is that it primarily benefits affluent investors and developers instead of presenting a path to citizenship in the US for low-income or refugee populations. Furthermore, the program has come under criticism as a result of its extended processing times and conceivable fraud and abuse.

E-2 Visa

The E-2 visa is a well-liked option for foreign investors who would like to invest in US trade. In contrast with the EB-5 visa, the E-2 visa does not have a particular minimum investment in the US requirement. Instead, investors need to show that they have made a considerable investment in US trade and that they have a method to guide and develop commerce. As per information from the Department of State, the number of E-2 visas reissued has been growing steadily over the past few years. For example, in 2019, a total of 41,689 E-2 visas were issued, which represented a 10% boost from the previous year. 

In FY 2020, Asia and Europe will account for more than 80% of E-2 visas issued. Nearly half (49.5%) are given to candidates from Asia. The top 10 E-2 visa nations and regions are all located in Asia, Europe, and North America, which are the three continents with the highest percentage of E-2 visa issuances.

 Source – https://www.visafranchise.com/blog/e2-visa-2020-report

Differences between the EB-5 and E-2 Visas

Regarding choosing between the EB-5 and E-2 visas, one of the most significant differences lies in the investment requirements. Unlike the EB-5 visa, which demands a minimum investment of $800,000, the E-2 visa doesn’t impose any such restrictions. But investors need to prove that they have made a powerful investment in US commerce to qualify for the E-2 visa.

Moreover, the terms of trade that investors can put their finances into are clear for both visas. The EB-5 visa mandates investment in a qualifying plan that produces a minimum of ten permanent jobs for U.S. workers. On the other hand, the E-2 visa is bendier with that in mind and lets investment in any U.S. trade as long as the investment is substantial, and the investor has the contrivance to expand and administer the commerce.

So, choosing between the EB-5 and E-2 visas depends on diverse factors, including the investment amount, trade type, and investment objectives. While the EB-5 visa has a higher minimum investment requirement and focuses on job creation, the E-2 visa allows for investment in any type of trade and also has no minimum investment requirement. Despite the visa type, foreign investors can profit from the opportunities and advantages of investing in the US, and both visas will help you get citizenship in the US.

If you still have any queries, connect with our team, and we will be more than happy to assist.

The United States of America is an exceptionally great destination for people who would like to live, work, or invest in a steady and thriving economy. Citizenship by investment is a feasible alternative for people seeking to attain enduring residency and ultimately citizenship in the US. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of getting citizenship by investing in the USA.

Access to a stable and thriving economy

The US economy is a key attraction for people seeking citizenship by investment. As the biggest economy in the world, with a GDP of over $20 trillion, it provides steady and thriving surroundings for investors. Citizenship by investment offers a person the opportunity to procure entry into this economy, which provides a great number of investment opportunities.

The US is home to numerous of the world’s leading companies, which offers an original opportunity for people to invest in these firms and possibly accomplish essential returns on their investments. This is why the US is considered to be among the most appealing destinations for trade and investment, and citizenship by investment offers a gateway to these opportunities.

The graph makes it evident that US GDP has remained robust throughout the majority of the years, demonstrating its stability and potential for investment and supporting the argument that it is an attractive investment location.

Increased Travel Opportunities

US citizenship by investment provides various advantages associated with wandering. Firstly, it grants people the right to wander to and from the nation without restrictions. This is mainly useful for those who frequently wander for commerce or leisure, as they can access and exit the nation with ease. Furthermore, US citizens can access numerous countries without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival, which makes wandering more accessible and less lengthy.

This profit can save people a lot of time and money, mainly when travelling frequently. Overall, US citizenship by investment offers people the independence and ease to wander without restrictions, creating an appealing alternative for those who value mobility.

Access to World-Class Healthcare and education

Citizenship by investment in the USA offers entry to world-class health services and educational institutions, making it a particularly appealing choice for families. The US is home to several of the world’s leading health service providers and educational institutions, guaranteeing that people who access citizenship by investment have access to the highest excellence in medical care and instruction.

Number of foreign students enrolled at American universities in 2021/22, broken down by place of origin

Source – https://www.statista.com/statistics/233880/international-students-in-the-us-by-country-of-origin/

This is especially important for families with young children who wish to ensure that their children receive the best training and medical care possible. People who acquire citizenship through investment in the USA may give their families the resources and chances they need to succeed by giving them access to elite educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

No residency requirements

Different familiar methods of getting citizenship, such as citizenship by investment, do not require people to reside in the state for a definite period before fitting in. This means that people can continue to dwell and labour in their household state while they implement citizenship.

No language or education requirements

An extra benefit of getting citizenship by investment in the USA is that there are no communication or instruction provisions. This means that people don’t have to pass communication or instruction tests to inherit citizenship. However, it is necessary to emphasize that people who are not fluent in the English language may encounter obstacles in communicating with other people and discovering employment.

So, US citizenship by investment provides numerous benefits to people seeking enduring residency and citizenship in the state. With expedited processing times, entry to a steady and thriving economy, enhanced wandering opportunities, entry to world-class health services and education, no residency or communication requirements, and no instruction requirements, it’s no wonder that ever more people are selecting this route to access US citizenship.

If you still have any queries, connect with our team, and we will be more than happy to assist.

Are you a businessperson looking to start your own venture? Do you intend to migrate to Canada and launch a company there? If so, the Canada Startup Visa Program could be your best choice.

The Canada Start-Up Visa program is designed to attract entrepreneurs from other nations  with the skills required to start and run a successful company in Canada. Through this initiative, qualifying business owners may lead towards Canadian citizenship by receiving funds and support from a reputable Canadian organization.

How does the program work?

If you’re a business owner looking for a Canada Start-Up Visa, you must show that your idea for a company is original, viable, and likely to lead to employment in Canada. A credible Canadian venture capital fund, angel investors, or the startup accelerator has to invest at least $130000/- to $ 200000/- CAD in the business if it still needs to be in the early phases of development.

Entrepreneurs may use the program to seek permanent residence in Canada after making this investment. They and their immediate family members may immigrate to Canada and begin setting up their firm if their application is accepted.

Who may participate in the program?

1. Possess a unique, scalable company concept with the potential to create jobs in Canada.
2. Be backed by a recognized Canadian entity, such as an angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator.
3. Possess a basic level of French or English language ability.
4. Have the funds to relocate to Canada before their firm starts to turn a profit.
5. Pass the medical and security tests.

What are the program’s advantages?

The Canada Start-Up Visa program offers company entrepreneurs and their families several benefits, including:

1. Obtaining Canadian citizenship
2. Access to Canada’s top-notch healthcare and education systems
3. The chance to start and expand a company in a secure atmosphere
4. The prospect of eventually obtaining Canadian citizenship
5. Using Canada’s trade agreements, access to international markets

How many people have been approved for the program?

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 1,167 principal petitioners and 2,254 dependent family members have achieved clearance for the Canada startup visa process as of December 2020.

Source – https://www.imidaily.com/datacenter/canada-startup-visa-statistics/

Which nations consistently provide the most applicants?

India is leading the chart with the most applications for Canada Start-Up Visas, followed by China, Iran, the United States, and Nigeria.

Source – https://www.imidaily.com/datacenter/canada-startup-visa-statistics/

What types of businesses have been approved under the program?

The Canada Start-Up Visa program has approved a wide range of business ideas, including:

1. Software development and IT services
2. E-commerce platforms
3. Health-tech and medical devices
4. Clean energy and environmental technology
5. Food and beverage manufacturing and distribution
6. Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
7. Advanced manufacturing and robotics

What is the success rate of businesses started under the program?

Even though there is no official data on the success rate of businesses started under the Canada Start-Up Visa program in terms of their success, anecdotal evidence suggests that many of these businesses have gone on to become very successful. 

For instance, ShopLocket, an e-commerce site that PCH International purchased in 2014, pioneered the program. Nymi, a wearable technology firm that has garnered over $20 million in investment and has collaborations with significant businesses like Mastercard and TD Bank, is another success story.

The Canada Start-Up Visa program has helped Canada draw in many innovative businesspeople. The initiative has been so effective in drawing investors to Canada that the Canadian government recently revealed its intentions to expand it. The government will increase the number of recognized organizations that may provide program assistance to entrepreneurs as part of this expansion. This will make it simpler for company owners to get the funding and assistance they want to launch and expand their enterprises in Canada.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Canada Start-Up Visa program is an exceptional opportunity for savvy businesses to relocate to Canada and launch their companies in a friendly and safe setting. Many business owners find the program appealing because of its advantages, such as permanent residence, access to markets globally, and the chance to become Canadian citizens, despite the difficulties of starting up a company overseas. The Canada Start-Up Visa can be your best choice if you wish to launch a company in Canada and have a strong business plan.

If you still have any queries, connect with our experts, and we will be more than happy to assist.

There are many pathways to acquiring the authorization to reside and work in a foreign country. Still, two of the most excellent standard methods are permanent residency and citizenship by investment. But since both feature suggestions have their own advantages, it is of vital importance to grasp the distinctions between them for the purpose of making a knowledgeable decision. Here, we’ll contemplate the advantages of residency by investment and citizenship by investment and guide you in determining which option is best for your circumstances.

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment is a procedure that lets High Net worth individuals access citizenship in a foreign state by investing a considerable quantity of money in that country’s economy. The investment can take diverse forms, for example, buying genuine estate, investing in a business, or purchasing government bonds.

This program is given by diverse countries around the world, comprising the United States, Canada, and abundant Caribbean nations. Citizenship by investment provides people with citizenship rights and privileges, consisting of the right to vote, win government jobs, and access social services. It also frequently provides visa-free travel to a plethora of countries around the world.

Key benefits of Citizenship by Investment:

Citizenship Rights: 

Citizenship by investment grants you the same rights and privileges as natural-born citizens, including the right to vote and grasp government jobs. This is a major benefit for people who want to be fully integrated into the society of their new state.

Visa-Free Travel: 

Citizenship by investment can additionally provide visa-free travel to numerous countries in the world. This might be useful for people who like to travel frequently for trade or pleasure.

Tax Benefits: 

Citizenship by investment programs repeatedly provides essential tax benefits, for example, lower revenue tax rates or exemptions from certain taxes. This could be a main benefit for high-net-worth individuals who wish to pay down their tax liabilities.

Investment Opportunities: 

Citizenship by Investment programs can additionally provide opportunities for individuals to invest in new trade ventures or genuine estate projects, that can provide a major revert on investment.

Dual Citizenship: 

In more important cases, citizenship by investment does not require people to give up their unique citizenship, that is to say, they can sustain their ties to their household nation while relishing the advantages of their new citizenship.

What is Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency is a legal status that lets foreign nationals live and work in a nation indefinitely. In more important cases, permanent residents have the right to numerous similar rights and privileges as citizens, including access to healthcare, education, and social services. However, they may not be capable of voting or grasping definite authority positions. Residency by investment could be obtained in a variety of ways, for example, through employment, family sponsorship, or refugee status.

Benefits of Permanent Residency:

Unlimited Stay: 

Permanent residency lets foreign nationals remain in a state indefinitely, as long as they meet definite ailments, for example, following their residency status or not committing any grave crimes.

Employment and Education: 

Permanent residency additionally grants the right to labor. This might be a major benefit for individuals to pursue a profession or educational opportunities in another nation.

Social Services: 

Permanent residents have the right to numerous similar social services offered to citizens. This might be helpful for families with children, who may need access to schools and medical facilities.

No Time Restrictions: 

Residency by investment typically does not have any duration restrictions, that is to say, individuals can remain in the nation as long as they like, given they meet the conditions of their residency status.

No Need to Renounce Original Citizenship:

In more important cases, permanent residents are not required to abandon their unique citizenship, that is to say, they can sustain their ties to their household state while relishing the advantages of existing and working in a new state.

Which is best for you?

Determining in-case Permanent residency or citizenship by investment is the optimum choice for a person depending on their original needs, goals, and circumstances. For those who wish to confirm extended stability in one more country, residency by investment may be the better choice. Permanent residency provides the aptitude to reside and labor in a foreign nation indefinitely, without the need for continued investment or renewals. It additionally offers access to the social services they provide and the independence to keep up ties with one’s household nation.

However, for people seeking complete citizenship rights and privileges, consisting of the right to vote, grasp authority jobs, and visa-free travel to other countries, citizenship by investment may be the more necessary option. 

Ultimately, the decision between permanent residency and citizenship by investment will depend on an individual’s particular circumstances, for example, their investment capacity, desired level of involvement in the foreign country’s economy and politics, and personalized priorities. It is crucial to weigh the advantages and drawbacks of each alternative cautiously in advance of making a decision. Meeting with a capable migration lawyer or advisor can additionally provide indispensable insights and advice in creating the right option.